Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health Sciences

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health offers a program of instruction leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Environmental Health Sciences (EHS). This multidisciplinary program will provide students an advanced understanding of how the environment impacts human health, preparing them for careers as environmental health specialists in academia, industry, and government. The curriculum emphasizes exposure assessment, public health microbiology, food safety, and research skills. Students will complete 75 graduate credit hours, a candidacy exam, and an original research dissertation.

Students will engage in rigorous coursework that covers essential topics such as exposure assessment, cancer prevention, public health microbiology, food safety, and the impact of lifestyle factors on health. The program also includes specialized training in areas like climate change and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in public health. Throughout their studies, students will develop competencies in identifying potential health hazards, understanding relevant regulations regarding hazardous materials, and effectively communicating complex scientific information to diverse audiences.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program places a strong emphasis on research experience. Students will be expected to conduct original research, analyze their findings critically, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in environmental health sciences. This hands-on experience is complemented by opportunities for professional development through seminars and collaborative projects with faculty members from various disciplines within the College of Public Health and the College of Medicine. The demand for trained environmental health specialists is on the rise, driven by an increasing awareness of how environmental factors affect public health. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, and private industry, addressing critical public health challenges and contributing to healthier communities. The doctoral program in environmental health sciences aims to fill a significant gap in workforce needs while fostering sustainable development practices that protect both human health and the environment.

Any individual desiring admission to this program must submit application materials through the on-line centralized School of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), which outlines complete application content. Once submitted through SOPHAS, the application materials will be administered by the UAMS Graduate School.

Students are required to submit a Personal Statement in their application packet to describe and substantiate their areas of research and policy interest to assess a close match between student interests and faculty expertise.
Prospective students are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field with minimum 3.0 GPA. International applicants must present a TOEFL score of at least 80. The TOEFL requirement is waived for international applicants who earned an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited educational institution in the United States or in a country in which English is both the primary spoken language and the language of instruction in educational institutions.

A limited number of graduate assistantships for the Ph.D. in EHS are available on a competitive basis for qualified students. These assistantships will cover tuition and stipends for up to two years, based on UAMS Graduate School policies.

After passing the candidacy examination the degree must be completed within seven consecutive calendar years.

In order to receive a degree, a candidate must present a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on all graduate courses required for the degree. Failing to earn such an average on the minimum number of hours, the student is permitted to present up to six (6) additional hours of graduate semester credit in order to accumulate a grade-point average of 3.0; but in no case shall a student receive a degree who is obliged to offer more than six (6) additional hours of semester credit beyond the minimum. In the computation of grade point, all courses pursued at this institution for graduate semester credit that are part of the degree program (including any repeated courses) and the thesis (if offered) shall be considered. A student who repeats a course in an endeavor to raise his grade must count the repetition toward the maximum of six additional hours.